A frequently misunderstood concept surrounding the shipment of Dangerous Goods involves the different types of Non-Bulk packages allowed or required by the regulations governing the transport of Hazardous Materials, both domestically and internationally.
Hazmat packages must comply with regulations published by the United States and the United Nations, and must be tested to insure compliance. Familiarity with the terms and descriptions of these packages can help Hazmat shippers choose the correct package and stay in compliance with proper regulations.
The Following Are Some Basic Hazmat Packaging Definitions:
Packaging – is a receptacle for containment of a hazardous material during transit. It must conform to the minimum requirements of the Hazmat regulations.
Package or Outside Package – is packaging plus its hazardous contents.
Specification Packaging – is packaging that conforms to one of the specifications or standards for packaging in the hazmat regulations. These packagings are marked to certify that all regulatory requirements are met, including performance tests.
Authorized Packaging – is packaging that is prescribed in the packaging section of the Hazmat regulations, for a particular hazardous material.
Inner Packaging – is packaging which requires an outer packaging for transport. This applies mainly to “combination” packagings.
Strong Outer Packaging – is the outermost enclosure that protects the inner packaging against the release of its contents. It is sturdy, durable and made to retain its contents under normal transportation.
Types and Styles of Non-Bulk Hazmat Packaging:
Combination Packaging – consists of one or more inner packagings secured in an outer packaging. Inner components protect the primary container (holding the hazardous material) and the outer marked container protects the inner packaging during transit.
Single Packaging – is a package consisting of one container, such as a pail or drum.
Composite Packaging – consists of an outer packaging and an inner receptacle, joined together to form a single package. A composite packaging is another type of “single” packaging.
Overpack – is an enclosure that is used to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages.
This is a general overview of Non-Bulk Hazmat Packaging and some of the commonly used terms and descriptions found in the regulations for transporting Dangerous Goods.
An important consideration when using Hazmat Packaging:
It is the shipper’s responsibility to choose the correct package to ship a hazardous material. The person offering the hazardous material for transport is responsible to ensure that the packaging or container is authorized packaging, that it complies with the specifications in the regulations and is assembled and closed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For more information about the responsibilities of shipping Hazardous Materials, please consult; The Department of Transportation General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings, listed in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 section 173. The Table of Hazardous Materials and Special Provisions 172.101, outlines the correct package type for each hazardous material and may be found at www.dot.gov. The United Nations requirements are listed in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations at www.iata.org.
LPS Industries provides a broad range of Hazmat packaging solutions covering a range of product formats and shipping requirements. An experienced team of LPS Industries Hazmat packaging consultants are available to assist and answer questions. For more information, visit https://www.lpsind.com/hazardous-material-packaging/